Re: Trying out wood pellets and vetbed

The pellets do not have to be changed weekly though correct? I though I read a post by @bpatters that said something like 6 or 8 weeks? I could be wrong though. My memory is not all that great .

I have not changed mine. My friend changes them every 8 weeks. It will depend on how much you put in the cage so when you stir it around there are still pellets to mix with the saw dust. I used one bag for a 2x4 cage and I will probably use 1.5 bags next time (40lbs), the bags are only $5 (CAD).

Re: Trying out wood pellets and vetbed

You definitely will need a layer of fleece on top of the wood pellets to get that type of longevity!

I just wanted to chime in with the hand vac conversation. I had been considering one for a while and after seeing the recommendations by @spy9doc I decided to just take the plunge and purchase the one she was talking about. I've only been using it for a week but I love it! It's super easy to empty and it sucks up poops extremely well. Strangely enough, only 2 of my 7 pigs have been frightened by it and after a week of everyday use they are both much better with it. I was anticipating most of them to be fairly upset by the sound, but frankly, most of my ladies were curious and then went about their regular business. I'm definitely happy with my purchase and it makes spot cleaning much faster! I found it for $70+tax on amazon.ca

Re: Trying out wood pellets and vetbed

I'm in Canada and bought the pellets at Canadian Tire which is a home hardware type store. They were wood stove pellets rated suitable for use with pets.
You wouldn't need to wait for vetbed to try the pellets as you can just use the fleece you have. I do quite like the vetbed though.

Re: Trying out wood pellets and vetbed

Originally Posted by sallyvh

I just wanted to chime in with the hand vac conversation. I had been considering one for a while and after seeing the recommendations by @spy9doc I decided to just take the plunge and purchase the one she was talking about. I've only been using it for a week but I love it!

Thanks for your feedback, Sally! Yes, compared to several other models, the B&D that I love is a bit pricey, but I feel that it is worth every penny. Prior to purchasing it I would go through a vac in six months and something about it would malfunction. It was often the plug for the charging cord and it would render the vac useless. Happy to know that it works for you!

Re: Trying out wood pellets and vetbed

Originally Posted by Marie1234

I'm in Canada and bought the pellets at Canadian Tire which is a home hardware type store. They were wood stove pellets rated suitable for use with pets.
You wouldn't need to wait for vetbed to try the pellets as you can just use the fleece you have. I do quite like the vetbed though.

How do you clean up the wood pellets when they are dirty? Shop vac or vacuum attachment or something else?

Re: Trying out wood pellets and vetbed

You don't clean the wood pellets.

Pretty soon after you fill the cage with them, the top layer will turn to sawdust from the urine hitting it. It can then be swept just like a floor. I stir my pellets about every month or so, and then it takes another week for the "floor" to solidify again.

The biggest problem is that they are heavy. When I get ready to replace them, I bring in a rolling garbage can and just shovel them from the cage into the can.

@dawnmb57, the pellets disintegrate into sawdust and dry out pretty quickly. And wood has some antibacterial properties itself. I've used pellets for years and never had a problem.

Re: Trying out wood pellets and vetbed

Originally Posted by bpatters

You don't clean the wood pellets.

Pretty soon after you fill the cage with them, the top layer will turn to sawdust from the urine hitting it. It can then be swept just like a floor. I stir my pellets about every month or so, and then it takes another week for the "floor" to solidify again.

The biggest problem is that they are heavy. When I get ready to replace them, I bring in a rolling garbage can and just shovel them from the cage into the can.

@dawnmb57, the pellets disintegrate into sawdust and dry out pretty quickly. And wood has some antibacterial properties itself. I've used pellets for years and never had a problem.